An image forming apparatus including: a photoconductor, adapted such that an electrostatic latent image is formed thereon and extending in a first direction; and an optical scanner, operable to emit a light beam to expose the photoconductor while scanning in the first direction, wherein: the photoconductor and the optical scanner define a space therebetween; and the space allows air to flow therethrough in the first direction.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a photoconductor, adapted such that an electrostatic latent image is formed thereon and extending in a first direction; an optical scanner, operable to scan and expose the photoconductor; a charging device, operable to charge the photoconductor; and a fan, operable to generate an air current around the photoconductor, wherein the fan is disposed at one side of the photoconductor in the first direction, and a scanning direction in which the optical scanner scans the photoconductor is only opposite to a current direction in which the air current flows.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a developer, adapted to develop the latent image as a visible toner image; and a transfer device, adapted to transfer the toner image on a transfer medium.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the fan is disposed at a write start side in the scanning direction.
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the fan is disposed at a write end side in the scanning direction.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
April 19, 2006
August 31, 2010
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.